samchang

NSW, 5Jan. Slaty-backed Gull?

HFCheung

Identifying juvenile large Gulls in HK is one of most difficult area that need to be studied.

badesc

Most difficult and thereby very interesting ;-).

This bird, however, does not appear to be a Slaty-backed Gull. Therefore, it would have to show different contrast on the underwing: primaries and secundaries should be pale, contrasting with the darker underwing coverts. For example: http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/viewthread.php?tid=15932.

In my view, the characters fit a Heuglin's Gull better. The answer can be found here: http://www.hkbws.org.hk/BBS/viewthread.php?tid=8905.

Cheers,

Bart

samchang

Bart, thanks for the information! It would be great if there is a 1st winter Slaty-backed Gull to compare.